Abu Dhabi to host Camel Beauty Contest

Next week, the United Arab Emirates capitol of Abu Dhabi, will host an annual Bedouin heritage festival that will feature a beauty contest for the animal known as "the ship of the desert".

According to breitbart.com, some 10,000 camels from across the area are expected to compete for a share of the prize money said to total more than 9.5 million dollars. About 100 cars are also expected to be given away to some of the lucky participants. Prizes will be awarded based upon the decision of an expert panel of camel judges.

The Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008 which will be held from April 2nd to the 10th, will feature camels from the oil-rich countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia is intended to celebrate and preserve the region's cultural heritage.

Organizer Mohammed al-Mazrouei was quoted earlier in the week as saying: "Preserving the rich heritage of the UAE and passing it on to future generations constitutes one of the most important missions which people of the UAE wish to undertake, by connecting our culturally rich past with our aspired bright and prosperous future,"

The 9-day festival, will feature singing shows, display of UAE handcrafts, and other activities, all intended to showcase the Bedouin culture and way of life.